This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
On July 12, 2019, SportPesa found itself at the center of a controversy after the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) ordered Safaricom to suspend its paybill number.
The move, which was aimed at discouraging and disrupting business, was met with strong resistance from SportPesa, which accused the BCLB of employing 'malicious actions'.
“SportPesa is extremely disappointed by the recent malicious actions by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to block our payments systems despite the existence of a court order,” read a statement from the firm.
The company maintained that it has been fully compliant with all tax and legal requirements in Kenya and has consistently boosted sports development in the country alongside community development.
It added that it has secured orders to continue operating and is challenging the BCLB's actions, which it claims have the potential to drive the industry underground and have far-reaching repercussions on the social and economic agenda of the country.
